If you share your videos via Facebook, you are better off marketing them by posting a link of your video verses embedding them on your page. A very helpful user named Jason emailed me stating that You Tube does not count views of the videos embedded on Facebook at this time. A more effective way to get the views on other sites would be to simply post the link of the video and drive the traffic to your channel. This way seems more lucrative regardless of the uncounted views. Your viewers will be more likely to see other videos on your channel and check them out as well. This setback may not be such a disadvantage after all. There have been glitches with the views for a while; if you’ve noticed the views hover around the 301 mark for hours. Perhaps You Tube will fix this problem soon, but for the time being, always drive the traffic to your channel.

YouTube success depends on both personality and video quality. Popular gurus stress the importance of high quality videos in their “Keys to Youtube Success” videos. Many gurus who are just starting out do not have thousands of dollars to invest in a DSLR ( digital single- lens reflex). While a DSLR improves the quality of a video, breaking your bank account is not necessary. With the proper video lighting, even a basic point and shoot camera can produce high quality videos. Think about high quality videos you’ve watched in the past? Were any of those videos filmed in dim or poor lighting? Chances are the answer is no. The truth is, to create professional videos the main necessity is lighting. Some people spend thousands of dollars on equipment, such as ring-lights and soft boxes. If you are willing to be resourceful, you can create studio quality lighting at a fraction of the cost.

Light Reflectors

A light reflector is important because it reduces shadows and creates highlights. White reflectors are to brighten images and soften shadows. Silver reflectors create neutral tones. Gold reflectors create warm tones. Blue reflectors create blue tones. You can make your own light reflector for under ten dollars. The easiest to make is a silver light reflector. Items needed include: aluminum foil, spray adhesive, and cardboard. Cut a large piece of cardboard ( 32 inches is the standard size of light reflectors) Sparingly spray the adhesive, then fully cover it with aluminum foil. A standard windshield sun shade can also be used as a light reflector.

Softbox

Soft boxes diffuse light, eliminate contrast and provide a more natural source of light in photography. When purchased at photography shops, a softbox can cost hundreds of dollars. The Photo Tuts website features a DIY approach to creating a softbox for under $20 dollars.

User Manual

A common mistake that people make is neglecting to read their user manuals. To get the optimum performance out of your camera, it is imperative that you read the manual. As boring as it is, don’t make the mistake of always using the auto-setting.

Natural Light

The best lighting comes from natural light. Make sure to record your videos in an area that is full of natural light. Do not allow too much light, since this could create a glare. For example, do not record videos sitting next to a window with the sun beaming into your room. Shoot your videos before noon or mid-day. Try to avoid using artificial light, which can cast a yellowish tone. If applying artificial light, use florescent lighting. This type of lighting creates a natural effect, doesn’t produce heat, minimizes shadows and is affordable.

Imagine your You Tube videos being viewed by hundreds of thousands of people weekly. Now imagine that everyday you log into your You Tube account, you receive hundreds of new subscribers. By the time you’ve completed this article, that scenario will be your reality.

Marketing is a topic that is discussed often, but few people understand how marketing works. Marketing becomes unsuccessful when misunderstood and underestimated; this especially applies to marketing You Tube videos. A large percentage of the time, people find You Tube videos by chance or old-fashioned word of mouth. Waiting for either of those options is not conducive to a thriving You Tube channel.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

The importance of social media is evident. Don’t waste time debating on which sites you should use for marketing. Use as many sites as you can handle to market yourself. If you are working alone, it is best to be realistic about how many social networks you can operate. If you are working with a team, assign social media sites evenly. Sites such as Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter are the most beneficial for YouTubers. If you expect to have a large following, sign up for a domain at sites such as WordPress. Consider purchasing premium templates or working with a web-designer; this is more beneficial if you are selling products that relate to your channel. Check out The Zen of Social Media Marketing, by Shama Hyder Kabani, for more information on Facebook and Twitter networking.

OLD-FASHIONED MARKETING

Contrary to popular belief, marketing offline is not obsolete. Marketing online is meant to target the people you can’t reach. Don’t disregard the audience you can reach. Tell your friends, family and associates about your new channel. Talk about your channel to anyone who is willing to listen to you. Depending on the content of your channel, make flyers to post in laundromats, on college campuses, and other places in your area that allow solicitation. Search for companies in your area that relate to your niche. Depending on the company and niche, you could negotiate an arrangement. For example, the host of a fashion channel should offer publicity to local boutiques if they mention their channel. The stylist would create looks on their channel, mentioning the boutique. The boutique can give the stylist’s business card or flyer to their customers. Both parties will benefit greatly.

SHOW THE VALUE

How is your channel beneficial to the viewer? What will they receive from the time spent watching you? It is important to enforce the value of your channel to potential viewers. For example, if you are an interior designer targeting middle-class families, market your channel by focusing on ways to save money, make the most of living space, and get contemporary looks on shoe string budget. You don’t make videos for yourself – – videos are to benefit your audience. If your goal is to entertain your viewer with comedy, the same rules apply. Who is your target audience? Once you’ve answered that question it is easier to set boundaries for your comedy channel.

REMIND THEM TO FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE

Most of the time, once the value is shown, people will subscribe instantly. But for a number of reasons they may not. At the end of each video encourage your audience to interact with you in some kind of way. For example, the interior designer channel could ask viewers to post pictures of their designs on her Facebook Wall. This drives traffic directly to one of her social media sites. The interior designer could also ask her viewers to leave comments about their favorite space-saving tips and remind them to subscribe. You should never sound like you are begging or forcing a viewer to subscribe. Instead, use the same tone and body language as you would when saying “I’m having a party and I’d love for you to come over.”

MAKE FRIENDS WITH “COMPETITORS”

Don’t let competition isolate you. If you have a channel that is related to other channels, then reach out to them. Make friends. Support other channels in your niche by leaving comments, liking videos, or mentioning them in a video. If resources allow, collaborate with other channels with the same niche. Never troll (a term used to describe people who leave negative commentary) other channels. Don’t compare your channel to other channels either – especially in a negative way. The internet has more than enough room for everyone.

BE APPROACHABLE

In real life a person lets you know they are friendly with a smile; online you have to work harder. Stay upbeat, treat your subscribers like friends, and let them know that you value their input. Never portray yourself as a person who is too proud to take tips. Show people that you are interested in them by frequently replying to their comments and asking them questions.

GIVEAWAYS

Have a giveaway featuring items that relate to your channel. Always require the participant to promote your giveaway via a social networking site and subscribe to your channel. For example, participants can tweet the contest to be eligible. Make sure the prize is something you would want to win (even if it isn’t expensive). Giveaways are great for gaining a large following in a short period of time. Be wary of people who will unsubscribe after the contest is over. Some will be disappointed they didn’t win and some don’t have a real interest in your channel. To avoid losing new subscribers, mention that you will have more contests in the future.

Follow these guidelines and your channel will have a steady increase of traffic in no time. If you have any tips on You Tube marketing, please comment below.